By ANEEKA SIMONIS
THE Governor of Victoria officially opened Cardinia Shire Council’s new civic centre at an official ceremony yesterday morning.
His Excellency Alex Chernov AC QC described the new Officer complex as “state-of-the-art” and said it would help service the ever-growing shire population.
“This is no ordinary shire centre,” the Governor said.
“It will service the growing population which is expected to increase tenfold in the next 20-30 years.”
The shire building, which accommodates up to 400 employees, has been in full swing since November last year.
The well-attended opening event was kicked off with a traditional welcome and smoking ceremony by senior Aboriginal elder Aunty Caroline which followed a performance by the All Together Choir.
Students from the nearby Officer Specialist School also got involved in the ceremony by forming the guard of honour which welcomed His Excellency, and his wife Elizabeth Chernov.
Cardinia Shire Mayor Cr Leticia Wilmot said it was a pleasure welcoming the Governor back to the shire after his recent tour of the area in October last year.
“We are privileged to have the Governor and Mrs Chernov officially open the civic centre next week and we hope the Cardinia Shire community will join us for this celebration,” she said.
She said the new office had fast become the town’s bustling, central hub.
“As more residents move into Cardinia Shire and more businesses and community services are established, this civic centre will become the heart of Officer, and a vibrant and thriving space for the whole community to enjoy.”
According to Cardinia Shire Council, the customer service team had answered over 30,000 calls, raised over 9000 service requests and served 5500 ‘walk in’ community members since it was opened three months ago.
“Serving the needs of the growing community, while maintaining the unique characteristics of the shire, is council’s top priority and is managed more effectively from our new offices,” Cr Wilmot said.
The $25 million civic centre was designed to bring all of council’s indoor staff into one location to improve residents’ access to personnel as well as improve efficiency operations.
Council is also offering guided tours of the civic centre on Sunday 1 March between 10am and 2pm. Bookings are essential and can be made by contacting council on 1300 787 624.
